High Wind — Santa Lucia Mountains, California

2023-01-04 to 2023-01-05 · Santa Lucia Mountains, California

Event narrative

Strong southerly winds impacted the Santa Lucia Mountains in San Luis Obispo county. Some peak wind gusts from the local mesonet include: TV Towers (gust 63 MPH), Davis Peak (gust 62 MPH), Green Valley Road (gust 59 MPH) and High School Hill (gust 58 MPH).

Wider weather episode

A winter storm brought strong winds, moderate to heavy rainfall and high elevation snowfall to the area. Overall, rainfall totals ranged from 2 to 4 inches across coastal and valley areas with 4 to 8 inches across the foothills and mountains. Rainfall intensities were moderate, resulting in widespread nuisance urban flooding. Snow levels remained very high, above 6000 feet, with the resort level receiving 8-16 inches of snowfall. Along with the rain and snow, gusty southerly winds were reported with gusts up to 87 MPH.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1079251. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.